Kamp Kids Book of John StudySample

Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Peter was hurt but maybe this was Jesus allowing Peter to repent. Three times Peter denied Jesus and three times He gets to say, “You know I love you.” 

What did Jesus want Peter to do if he really loved Him? Feed and take care of His sheep. Who are Jesus’ sheep? He told us in John 10: 14-16. Those that belong to Him and will belong to Him are His sheep and He wants Peter and us to take care of them. 

Finally, Jesus tells Peter about the kind of death he will have to glorify God and Peter starts comparing himself to John. This is a very dangerous thing to do in life. It is dangerous but very easy to do. With social media we get little glimpses into people’s lives (or at least the life they want us to believe they have). We start picking and choosing parts of people’s lives and combining them into one complete life. We take someone’s boyfriend and think, “Why can’t my boyfriend be like that?” Then we look at someone’s clothes and think, “I wish I had the money to buy those.” Then we look at someone’s good looks and think, “Why did God make me like this?” 

We take all these things and combine them into a life that in reality, no one has. When we compare our lives with others we are not content with the life God gave us. How God chooses to use you will be different than how He chooses to use me. I will not be able to focus on my race if I keep looking over at you. 

This is why they blindfold horses who are in a race. If they aren't  blindfolded, the horse will look over at the other horses running and could slow down, stumble, or fall. Jesus is telling Peter to feed His sheep and run His own race. I challenge each of you to do the same. 

Hebrews 12: 1-3 (NIV):

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Questions:

1. How can you care for and feed Jesus’ sheep?

2. What ways does comparing your life to someone else’s life make you unhappy?

3. Do you trust God has given you the life and calling He created you for?